Onchan Ballasalla Peel Cregneash Laxey St John's Ramsey Port Erin Port St. Mary Kirk Michael Douglas
Thursday, September  2, 2010
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Castletown

(Balla Cashtal)

The old capital of the island with a very long history as the the home of vikings, kings, and government. There is much to see and do in this historical coastal town.

Castletown sits on the site of an ancient volcano. The town was the capital of the island for hundreds of years. The government was run from within it before moving to Douglas and much of what the island is today started in this historical town.

Tracing its origins back to 1090, Castletown holds true as one of the oldest towns in the British Isles. Its narrow streets and small fishing cottages prove this ancient past at every corner. The medieval Castle Rushen, once the home of kings and later government, still dominates the centre of town.

Fishing boats continue to fill the harbour, though Castletown saw the end of major commercial traffic to its port in the 1970's. The on going expansion of financial and industrial businesses in the area keep Castletown on the map as an important island town.


Events
Dates: Tuesday 30 November 2010
Description: Castletown Philatelic Society. Auction will be held at 8pm. Castle Arms, Castletown.
Dates: Wednesday 07 September 2011 - Tuesday 13 September 2011
Description: Commonwealth Youth Games. The Isle of Man will host 1000 athletes aged between 13 and 18 years old from the 71 nations of the commonwealth for the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games. Athletes will compete in 7 sports, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, rugby 7's and swimming. Douglas will act as the Games 'Village' and all athletes and officials will be accommodated in hotels and B&Bs along the prom. Likewise, all sports will take place in or around Douglas. As well as sport there will be an opening and closing ceremony and a Cultural Day, which will take place in Castletown and allow the athletes to learn a bit about the island's culture and heritage. For further information please go to www.cyg2011.com, http://www.cyg2011.com.
Event information supplied by the Isle of Man Department of Tourism & Leisure (01624 686766)

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